Erskine field production recommences

Following the clearance of a pipeline blockage and completion of scheduled maintenance works on the Lomond platform, Serica Energy has announced that oil and gas production from the Erskine field has recommenced.

The pipeline blockage, which occurred earlier this year in the Lomond to Everest condensate export line, was caused when a foam cleaning device, known as a pig, became lodged in the pipeline due to a build-up of wax.

Successful clearance procedures included pressure pulsing using diesel from both ends of the pipeline and the injection of a wax solvent. The field then remained shut-in to accommodate a two month maintenance programme on the Lomond platform, which commenced in late May to coincide with the one month shut down for maintenance of the CATS gas export and processing facilities through which Erskine gas is exported.

On completion of these maintenance programmes, condensate flow from the Lomond field began in mid-July to flush the export line. Higher volume Erskine production re-commenced from late on the 27th July. Following a short period for final clean-up during the first week of August, production from Erskine is forecasted to build up rapidly to the fully unconstrained levels that were achieved prior to the shut-down.

As part of ongoing operations designed to improve production efficiencies and ensure continuous export availability, an increased programme of regular pigging and wax inhibitor injection is to be implemented to prevent a re-occurrence of wax build-up once full production has been re-established. The scheduled pigging operations will also enable a full integrity survey of export infrastructure to be completed to determine the potential of extending infrastructure operating life.

Tony Craven Walker, Serica's Chairman commented: “Since Serica acquired its interest in the Erskine field in June 2015, it has made a significant contribution to cashflow and profits. This has equipped us to withstand issues such as this shutdown. Now that production has resumed, we expect this strong performance to continue as we seek to add further interests to increase shareholder value at a time of low oil and gas prices.”